Chennai corpn suspends two for irregularities in Perungudi zone

Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation has suspended two officials — a park overseer and an executive engineer — over separate irregularities in Perungudi zone.The executive engineer was suspended for floating six limited tenders worth 3 crore for hiring earthmovers for 105 days. Each tender for hiring a D80 A12 dozer was valued at 48 lakh, while the MRP of a new D80 A12 machine itself was 31 lakh. The tender process also gave bidders only a day to apply and submit bids.The irregularity in the tenders were flagged by anti-corruption NGO Arappor Iyakkam, following which GCC initiated action. "They can float one tender for six machines. What's the need to float six tenders? Why were all limited to just one day? Was the contractor finalised before the tender itself," asked M Radhakrishnan of Arappor IyakkamGCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran said it was a serious violation and suspensions were initiated as soon as the news reached the officials. "Neither should they have floated six tenders nor should they have restricted the bidding time. A tender should ideally be open for seven days at least. The officials concerned will be asked to appear for an enquiry," the commissioner said.A complaint against the park overseer said money was collected to tamper with the muster roll of park workers. "The project management consultants made a complaint stating 1,500 was collected for marking workers present. We took action immediately," Kumaragurubaran said. "I have instructed officials to stay away from all forms of irregularities. If any are found, suspension will be initiated immediately," he added.